Farmers Markets: Let 'em eat apples

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

Published 10:00 pm, Sunday, September 9, 2007

In a world where chain stores and imported produce dominate the news, it's nice to know that neighborhood farmers markets are still a priority in Seattle. The city is working on plans to make sure that farmers markets in Columbia City and on Capitol Hill affected by rapid neighborhood (re)development continue to flourish, either on parkland or via street closures dedicated to creating outdoor market space.

Farmers markets offer fresh, healthy produce at prices generally lower than what can be found in most supermarkets. Given our growing obesity epidemic (pun intended -- we're the 31st-fattest state in the country), we can't afford to limit nary a person's reach for the good stuff.

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Besides, the markets provide peace of mind for consumers anxious about the quality of imported vegetables or for those who look for ways to support the local economy. A recent study on the role of farmers markets in local economies shows that farmers tend to make more money in the direct sale of their goods to individuals rather than going through wholesalers. The weekly markets also present residents with an easy, dependable access to fruits and vegetables without requiring them to leave their neighborhoods.

As with other types of local markets and fairs, farmers markets help build communities and encourage interaction among neighbors in a way that strolling through the produce aisle at a big chain store just doesn't accomplish.

So we encourage city leaders to do whatever they can to mitigate the possible displacement of these markets.